While the State of Florida has provided some clear cut rules for beaches and other natural outdoor spaces, there remain questions around another South Florida favorite: Water parks.
Some private parks are already opened or opening including South Florida’s largest water park, Rapids in Riviera Beach. Rapids Water Park will open Friday. Of course, there are a slew of new rules in place to meet Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requirements.
The Rapids Social Distancing
Going to a water park is going to take a lot more than sunscreen and a towel.
At Rapids, guests and staff members will be asked questions including whether they have traveled anywhere previously.
The park, which opens Friday, June 5, is urging people older than 65 to refrain from coming for now.
Under the title “Safe Splash,” the park, which features over 35 acres including 42 slides and rides, will open with new guidelines that restrict capacity and detail what the park is doing for safety.
Here are some of the changes:
Capacity will reduced by half, from 6,000 people to 3,000 people.
Guests are encouraged to buy tickets online to avoid long lines at the entrance.
Anyone entering the park will be questioned about exposure and symptoms. Answers will determine whether a guest can enter.
Temperature checks will be given to employees and every guest who enters the park. Anyone who has a temperature above 100.4 degrees will not be allowed in.
Social distancing signs and markers will be placed throughout the park to remind guests to keep their distance.
Hand-sanitizing stations are placed throughout the park and signs are displayed to remind people to wash their hands frequently and cover their mouth and nose when sneezing.
Tubes, mats, handrails and other common areas will be constantly cleaned by team members. Water attractions are treated with chlorination and constantly monitored by computer. The lazy river will have one entrance and one exit.
Electronic Payment will be encouraged for entrance and for concessions in the park.
A team of supervisors and managers is available to respond to COVID-19 concerns from guests or employees.
Staff will be trained on the procedures and all safety protocols.
Restrooms and other service areas will be disinfected regularly throughout the day.
Management encourages people to bring patience, as wait times will likely increase to allow for social distancing.
Tidal Cove Social Distancing
Tidal Cove Waterpark at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, 19999 W. Country Club Dr. in Aventura, was proving to be a nationally recognized bubbling hit since opening in 2019.
The water park features a 60-foot tower with seven water slides, including the Aqua Drop for thrill seekers. There’s also a 4,000-square-foot kids’ pool and a FlowRider Triple surf simulation pool and a Lazy River that winds its way through tropical Florida foliage.
